Mary J.Blige Casually Hints At Retirement Amid Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Recognition
After over 30 years in the music business, Mary J. Blige has hinted at wanting to cut the mic for good.
During a chat with People, the singer casually revealed that she’s working on new music for what will likely be her final studio album.
“I’m actually in the studio right now recording more music, and I’m having fun. I’m having fun no matter what happens,” she told the publication. “This is another album, and it’s probably my last studio album.”
Shocked by the reveal, People’s Jack Irvin responded, “Whoa! Why?,” which caused the songstress to slightly walk back her answer.
After a laugh, she replied, “Everybody says that. I mean, OK. I guess it’s not then.”
“Nah, I’ve been doing it for a while,” she added. “I love it, I enjoy it, and it might be the last studio album. It might be.”
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 11: EDITORIAL USE ONLY: Mary J. Blige speaks onstage onstage for “Queen To Queen” during Honeyland Festival Day 1 on November 11, 2023 in Sugar Land, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images for Honeyland Festival)
As far as what listeners can expect, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul discussed her latest inspirations, as well.
“Just life and feeling good about it,” she shared. “Feeling good about life, having fun with the fruits of my labor, signing acts, continuing to help people to live out their dreams. Like WanMor, my boy group, and Vado, the rapper that I’m on the ‘Beautiful Life Allstars’ song with as my alter ego, Brooklyn. And [my latest single] ‘Still Believe in Love’ is where I’m at. I believe in love for myself, love for life, love for happiness, love for God, love for peace. Know that life is full of ups and downs, and roll with the punches because life is important.”
The news of MJB’s potential retirement came days before the Yonkers, New York native was confirmed to be joining the Class of 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Other 2024 inductees include Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest in the Performer category; Jimmy Buffet, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield in the Musical Excellence Award category; Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thorton in the Musical Influence category; and Suzanne De Passe in the Ahmet Ertegun Award category.